Why The Outrage?

I remember reading a story recently about a Miller beer distributor employee who was fired from his job because he was caught drinking Budweiser beer in a bar during his off time. I also remember reading another report about a Coca-Cola employee being fired after drinking a Pepsi while on his route. And while I haven't read any news reports just yet, I'd also be willing to bet that there were probably employees "let go" from certain tobacco companies because they chose to smoke a competitor's brand of cigarettes.

This same type of employer discrimination happens everyday in business when employees are caught using their competitors products, even when they weren't at work. There seems to be an unwritten rule that, with some companies, it's a given that you remain fully loyal to the products that are paying your bills, no matter what your personal preferences. If you're going to be part of the team, you have to show your loyalty, right?

So, I wonder why the sudden surge in outrage being reported against hospitals who choose not to employ people who abuse tobacco, even on their own time? They're not doing anything different than other companies have done to their employees in the past.

Hmm.. that's something to think about.

And since I'm all about making informed and educated decisions, before I decide to become sucked into all of the outrage being reported in the media about hospitals adopting "tobacco free" hiring policies, I can't help but wonder - Why is there so much outrage being reported?

If you're going to be part of the health care team, you have to show your loyalty, right?

Remember that the tobacco industry is an extremely powerful and sinister force, with plenty of money to spend on convincing you otherwise. They probably laugh everyday about their abilities to manipulate people. So why shouldn't I be suspicious about this situation?

If you're like me, you may wonder why there are now twenty-nine States and the District of Columbia with laws in effect elevating smokers into a protected class? Who do you think lobbied for this unusual type of legislation?

If you're like me, you'd also have plenty of questions. Such as, were any of the news distributors or writers compensated by big tobacco for reporting this outrage? Are any of the numerous anonymous message forum posts or comments against these tobacco-free initiatives posted by people working for, or compensated by, the tobacco industry?

Just how many of the people outraged are already nicotine addicts, grasping at straws to keep themselves from being separated from their fix?

On the other hand, you'll also wonder - Who's next and where does the insanity end?

But, then you'll also ask yourself - Are people overweight because addictive chemicals have been added to their food, or because they choose to overeat or not exercise?

And lastly, you may want to ask yourself this - why is it okay for other businesses to enact policies to ensure that employees are dedicated towards serving their mission and being part of their team, but it's not okay for hospitals to the the same thing?

Like I said, just something to think about before jumping on the "outraged" bandwagon.